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Top 10 scams of 2011

Social media switcharoo Identify it: It seems like a friend shared viral videos claiming to show grisly footage of Osama bin Laden’s death or the latest celebrity high jinks. Clicking on the link prompts you to “upgrade your Flash player,” but the file you download contains a worm that sends similar messages to your friends. Avoid it: The next time you see a sensational headline for the latest viral video, resist the urge to peek. Definitely don't download anything you're not sure about. Contact your friend to make sure he or she actually sent it.
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By Christina Reinwald, Boston.com correspondent

Social media switcharoo

Identify it: It seems like a friend shared viral videos claiming to show grisly footage of Osama bin Laden’s death or the latest celebrity high jinks. Clicking on the link prompts you to “upgrade your Flash player,” but the file you download contains a worm that sends similar messages to your friends.

Avoid it: The next time you see a sensational headline for the latest viral video, resist the urge to peek. Definitely don't download anything you're not sure about. Contact your friend to make sure he or she actually sent it.